Primrose Schools Offers Tips on Making 'Back to School' as Easy as 1-2-3

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August 21, 2007 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA, -- The first day of school can be a trying experience for both parents and children. Often times, this means new routines, rushed mornings and hectic schedules. Primrose Schools, a leader in early childhood education, recommends planning, preparation and organization to help ease the transition from carefree summer days to the more structured back to school routine.

At the preschool and elementary school level, children often experience separation anxiety. "Children are anxious simply because there is a change in their routine," said Dr. Mary Zurn, Vice President of Education at Primrose Schools. "There are several ways to prepare children and make a smoother experience for both parents and children overall," she said.

Primrose suggests these tips for parents to help ease the transition:

Begin back on a "school year" schedule two weeks before school begins. Going to bed on time, getting up early, getting dressed and eating a nutritious breakfast will help children adjust to their new routine before going back to school.
Don't plan any trips or big events the weekend before school starts. This will enable you and your family to better prepare for the week to come.
Create a designated area in your home for school items. This area should be someplace that the entire family can pick up backpacks, lunches, briefcases, purses, etc. Having a set area helps to reduce time spent looking for school items each morning.
Lay out clothes each night before school. This helps to establish a routine of getting up and dressed, without the extra time spent on choosing clothing in the morning.
Read a book about going to school with your child the night before. It helps to know that others have felt apprehensive about going back to school. Some suggestions include: I Am Not Going to School Today by Robie H. Harris or Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes.
Create a school year schedule that includes times for homework, dinner, television/games, bath time, bedtime stories and bedtimes. Post the schedule in a location where every member can view at, and so they know what to expect each day/week.

"Going back to school can be tough, but it doesn't have to be," said Zurn. "By incorporating little things into your daily routine, you can make the transition from summer to back-to-school easy and pleasant for your entire family."

About Primrose Schools:

Primrose School Franchising Company, Acworth, GA, is the country's leader in early childhood education with more than 160 schools in 15 states, and is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2007. The Primrose Balanced Learning(R) curriculum combines the two leading philosophies in early childhood education - teacher-directed and child-initiated - with a balance of learning, character development and play. Primrose is the first educational child care franchise to receive accreditation from the Commission on International Trans-Regional Accreditation, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement or the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement.

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